Many cars on the market claim to be 7-seaters. However, most of these cars are only suitable for seating 5 adults. Car manufacturers need to understand that cramping two seats inside a 5-seater car does not make it a 7-seater.
The current decade has seen an exponential rise in the sale of electric cars, with Tesla leading the charge. The company also offers two variants of its Model Y and Model X in 7-seat configurations. But are they really worth it?
This article will discuss the pros and cons of the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater in detail.
So, let’s jump right into it.
Pros and Cons of Tesla Model Y 7-seater
Pros
- Seating for 7 people.
- 72 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Only pay $3k extra for 3rd row.
- Easy entry and exit feature.
- Doesn’t compromise on safety.
- Standard Tesla benefits.
Cons
- Reduced driving range.
- Not comfortable enough for adults taller than 5’7”.
- No rear AC vents.
- No latches for kids.
An Overview
Is an electric crossover SUV with a seating capacity of 7 people. It is a great option for families with small children. It is important to note that only the long-range trim of Model Y is offered in a 7-seater configuration. The Performance trim comes with five seats only.
Is laced with dual motors that have a combined output of 384 hp. The motors draw power from a large 80.5 kWh battery pack. According to Tesla Claims, this battery pack will give a range of up to 330 miles.
Offered at a starting price of $52,130, the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater is in a league of its own. There aren’t many 7-seaters that come around the $50,000 mark.
Benefits of Owning a Tesla Model Y 7-Seater
In this section, I’ll try to convince you about the benefits of owning a Model Y. So, let’s get right into it.
1. More Seating Capacity
This benefit is quite obvious. Isn’t it? You get seating for seven people by paying an additional $3,000 in upfront cost. I would say that is a bargain.
If you’re a family that has to carry kids around the block or to school, the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater will be a perfect choice for you.
2. Low Cost But Higher Benefits
Another apparent advantage of the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater is its affordable price. It was launched for middle-class families in search of a 7-seater car.
As pointed out, the Model Y 7-Seater costs only $52,130, and by paying $3,000 extra, you can get an additional third row of seating.
So, in total, the price of a Model Y comes to about $55,130. The actual price might be even lower due to tax credit benefits.
3. Ease of Entry
The biggest problem with most 7-seater cars is that you cannot get in and out of the last row easily. While the Tesla Model Y might not be the best 7-seater, it is certainly better than most other 7-seater cars on the market.
The reviews have garnered immense praise on Tesla for fitting a third row of seating in a relatively smaller SUV. People with a height of 5’5” and shorter can get in and out of the Tesla Model Y without any trouble. All thanks to the sliding second row with adjustable seatbacks.
4. Third Row Features
The third row of the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater comes with a range of features. The third-row seats can be flat-folded with the electronic fold-flat release function of Tesla. You can also enjoy amenities such as a USB-C charging port while cruising in the last row of seating.
5. Comfort
If you’re not being crabby about it, the third row of seating in the Model Y 7-Seater is quite comfortable. Especially for kids and shorter adults under 5’7”.
6. Exceptional Safety
Many experts thought that fitting seven seats inside a standard crossover SUV would compromise the safety of last-row passengers. But Tesla has surprised everyone by achieving the feat of a 5-star rating for the 7-seater Model Y by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
7. Uncompromised Luggage Room
3rd row of seating will not compromise the luggage storing capacity of your Tesla Model Y. In fact, both the second and third rows can be flat-folded via an electronic mechanism to extend the cargo space. By doing so, the cargo volume can be extended up to 72 cubic feet.
8. Standard Tesla Benefits
Not to forget that the Model Y 7-Seater comes with all the standard benefits offered by a Tesla Vehicle. Take Tesla autopilot, for instance, or exclusive privileges for Tesla owners at the Tesla supercharger network. These benefits should also count for something.
Downsides of Owning a Tesla Model Y 7-Seater
In this section, I’ll mention the potential downsides of owning a Model Y 7-seater. So, let’s get right into it.
1. Compromised Driving Range
Always bear in mind that the Model Y 7-Seater was originally designed as a 5-seater car. So, its range and other specifications have been set according to 5-passengers.
Seven passengers will increase the load on the vehicle, thus drawing power from the battery more rapidly. So, it has been reported that Model Y 7-Seater only offers a real-world range of 250 miles.
2. Not Comfortable for Adults
As mentioned multiple times, the third row of the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater is not suitable for full-grown adults. 3rd row has a headroom and legroom of 34.6” and 26.5”. It is only sufficient for individuals with heights shorter than 5’7”.
3. No AC Vents
The third row of the Tesla Model Y 7-Seater comes without AC vents. So, be ready to get sweaty while riding in the last row of the Model Y.
4. No Latches for Kids
It’s ironic that 3rd row of the Tesla Model Y has been designed as kid’s seats, yet they don’t have latches to hold kid cots. So, it is not recommended to use the 3rd row Model Y as kid’s seats. Rather, second rows should be used for carrying small kids.
Should You Buy a Tesla Model Y 7 Seater?
It depends on your specific use case. If you have a family of 4 or 5 kids, then the Model Y 7-Seater would be the best choice for you. It might not be a true 7-seater, but it certainly does the trick for kids and shorter adults.
However, purchase it with the prospect that kids will outgrow this car within a few years only. It would leave you with no choice but to replace it.
So, then you are left with the option of other cars such as the Mercedes EQS, Volvo EX90, and Rivian R1S. I particularly like Rivian R1S because it is a true 7-seater SUV with plenty of legroom and headroom for each row.
But it is much more expensive than the Model Y 7 Seater. So, if you’re looking for an affordable 7-seater electric car, then the Model Y Long Range is the way to go.